The Expanding Network Universe

Network theorists claim that simply being in an open network instead of a closed one is one of the best predictors of career success . In addition, successful people understand and practice information rheology i.e how to reduce the obstacles to the flow of information from disparate sources. Hudson described "convergent" thinking, in which the person is good at bringing material from a variety of sources to bear on a problem, in such a way as to produce the "correct" answer. This kind of thinking is particularly appropriate in medicine, science, math and technology and is a characteristic of innovative thinkers.

Maybe finding a new job is on your list of resolutions. Being clear on what you want and aligning your resume and network to your career goals now will help you move your job search along more quickly in the new year. The hardest part is to remember that it’s not just about finding a job — every part of the process is a step toward your personal and professional growth and ultimate fulfillment. The author outlines a five-step process for planning your new year career move. Growing your network is on the list.

But, how do you become part of an open network?

1. Start one. The Society of Physician Entrepreneurs at www.sopenet.org was created as an open network from its inception with the underlying belief that what ails sickcare and biomedical and health innovation could not be fixed from inside.

2. Create your own company, or work for an organization or university that is part of an open network (HINT: They are hard to find)

3. Establish yourself as the connector, maven, opinion leader or expert by producing value added, relevant and timely communications

4. Pass if forward when asked

5. Seek those you don't know. Talk to strangers.

6. Learn to network and its purpose: to help others solve their problem

7. Focus on value, not vanity numbers

8. Take care of your network

9. Practice network rheology by being a problem seeker not a problem solver.

10. Add layers of networks and metanetworks, like the expanding universe.

11. Be sure you have a 5 second intro. Inevitably, someone will ask "What do you do/", at least in the USA.

12. Here is how to meet up at a Meetup.

There are three basic tenants of networking:

1. Network engagement is more important than network size
2. It is becoming increasingly difficult for any one person or organization to separate the network signal from the noise and doing so requires more and more sophisticated techniques
3. You should develop and cultivate your networks before you need them or they need you

Almost every great entrepreneur is a great networker with an ever expanding constellation of connections and sources of ideas and inspiration. But, they use those networks to create patterns that others don't see. Like some enormous follow the dots book , you need to connect more than what's on the page in front of you. The layers and meta layers of potential connectedness are almost infinite, so you need to expand, but at the same time focus, on the source of information and inspiration that will motivate your creativity. Some in medical education are beginning to connect some dots and advocating for coherent education, linking medicine to science, technology, engineering, math, business, the humanities and other domains as well.

You don't need miraculous powers or trick mirrors to see around the corners. You just need open networks.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Substack and Editor of Digital Health Entrepreneurship